Why Better Sleep Should Be A Priority In The New Year

(Memphis) Sleep is something we all need to feel better, but don’t get enough of every night.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine says most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep to feel rested during the day.

Doctors say better sleep can also make you healthier, happier and smarter.

Dr. Robert Schriner, with Baptist Memorial Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Center, says the majority of people who spend the night in their clinic are dealing with chronic insomnia or obstructive sleep apnea.

For many of us, though, stress, anxiety, depression and even bad sleeping habits can keep us up at night.

Dr. Schriner says in order to get better sleep you need to keep a consistent sleep schedule, exercise regularly and avoid big meals, alcohol or caffeine close to your bedtime.

“You have to find a way to relax yourself. Your bedroom should be conducive to sleep–that means it should be relatively cool. 65-68 degrees is the best temperature for people to sleep. Make sure it’s dark and there is not excessive noise that could interrupt your sleep,” said Dr. Schriner.

If you are still having trouble sleeping, Dr. Schriner says talk to you doctor to see if the medications you are already taking or another medical condition could be to blame.